Talking Shop: Six local retailers tell us what’s hot

Above: Kristy Robertshaw.

Above: Abbi Webber

Talking shop

Photography by Jason Porter.

Charlie & Jack, Victor Harbor Owner: Kristy Robertshaw (a.k.a Crazy Plant Lady)

Specialising in? Indoor plants, leather goods, ceramics, planters, baskets, homewares, jewellery, beauty products and more. Shop ethos? There’s no such thing as too many plants! Why have you chosen the brands you have? Because I love them! I stock a majority of Australian brands – amazing artists who are passionate about their products. Favourite products coming in for autumn? It’s always exciting to see what’s available each plant shopping trip. I’m always looking for new products, it keeps it exciting for my customers and myself! Our customers say? They love that my plants have names and stories.

Trendspotting... what do you see that you love? I think we are moving more and more into wanting to buy products that we believe in. Products that promote wellness and sustainability, that have businesses behind them who care and have a story with values that we believe in, and to build our sense of community.

Elliot & Me, Port Elliot Owner: Abbi Webber

What do you sell? Women’s fashion, shoes and accessories. Specialising in? We are well known for our Turkish leather shoes! Shop ethos? To provide a carefully curated selection of ethical, sustainable, local and Australian brands to our community. We want our customers to always find something different and allow them to celebrate their personality through conscious fashion. Sustainable brands? Elk the Label, Nancybird, Torju, Olga de Polga, Frock Me Out, Woodfolk accessories and JASKA earrings. Why have you chosen the brands you have? Firstly, our brands have an ethos that is aligned with our store vision. They work with sustainable manufacturing practices from the fabrics they utilise, the support they provide to villages where their factories exist, right through to their packaging. Secondly, most of our brands design their own fabric, have amazing cuts and offer such a great point of difference from mainstream, fast fashion brands. Favourite products coming in for autumn? Nearly the entire autumn/winter collection from Elk the Label.

Our customers say? I can always find something unique in your store, there is nothing like this in town! Trendspotting… what do you see that you love? GREEN! Green will be everywhere this winter, and we can’t wait.

Above: Grace De Leo.

Above: Marcus Syvertsen.

Miss Gladys on Sea, The Temperance Precinct, Aldinga Township Stylist: Grace De Leo Specialising in? Innovative design is our focus. Men’s and women’s clothing and footwear with a happy twist. Shop ethos? Honest, enthusiastic service that leads to long-term trust and friendship with both customers and suppliers. Sustainable brands? Good design, innovation and fun create the icons of style which are both eternal and sustainable. So choose carefully. Favourite products coming in for autumn? Every year we fuss about new shoe construction, materials and styling and curate with our clothing selections that we hope will help customers choose wisely. Our customers say? I want to dress for myself. Can you help me? Trendspotting… what do you see that you love? Often spotted walking into our store but mostly (and preferably) walking out of one of our changerooms wearing a Sym Choon outfit! Anything else you would like to add? Enjoy. Little Road Studio, The Temperance Precinct, Aldinga Township Owner: Marcus Syvertsen. What do you sell? A curated range of furniture, art, homewares, textiles, lighting and lifestyle products. Specialising in: We help clients all over SA with interior design and styling services, from individual rooms to entire houses. Shop ethos: A unique offering of interior design and styling services, along with a concept retail store of curated furniture, art, homewares, lighting and lifestyle pieces. Sustainable brands? Armadillo & Co, Stentorian Leather, Montauk Linen, Batch Ceramics, plus many more. Why have you chosen the brands you have? Point of difference, their ethical principles and high quality. Favourite product/s coming in for autumn? Some new furniture pieces and stunning 70s inspired ceramics. Our customers say? We’ve had an amazing response to our new space – everyone is loving the range, the concept and also the interior inspiration that the store and design studio provides. Trendspotting… what do you see that you love? I love the muted tones of the homewares range currently in the studio complemented by accents of cobalt blue and brass. >

Above: Sarah Taylor.

Above: Elle Brown.

South Seas Trading, Port Elliot Owner: Sarah Taylor Specialising in: Design-focused fashion and homewares. We stock a wide range of products including large-format books, fashion and homewares as well as art and craft by South Australian artists. Why have you chosen the brands you have? We source Australian-designed products as much as possible. We seek quality and difference amongst products designed to last through time and change. Trendspotting... what do you see that you love? We’re excited about some of the cooler season coats, sweaters and shoes coming in, particularly a new range from some young designers in Victoria. Anything else you would like to add? We constantly change our displays and ranges, so there is always something new to see. Gorgeous Soles, McLaren Vale Owner: Elle Brown Specialising in: Beautiful footwear, accessories and clothing with a difference. Sustainable brands? We buy from Australian-owned businesses and, wherever possible, designed (and made) in Australia and ensure that all brands are ethically made. Our cotton ranges are all certified organic. Why have you chosen the brands you have? We love brands that are passionate about fashion, that live and breathe their ethos, and who look after their customers. Maud Dainty and Binney are fabulous Australian designers, who put so much effort into their ranges, sourcing and designing, that it’s so hard not to get caught up in their world. We also love simple ranges that use beautiful linens and have an elegant simplicity, such as Ridley and Humidity. Bright and colourful ranges such as Rubyyaya are also on our list, along with beautiful knitwear that have a story to tell. Our footwear ranges are from all over. If they are gorgeous, we will buy them! We particularly love Rollies, Superga, Eos, Skin, Nude and Rafia Chic. Favourite products coming in for autumn? Gorgeous knitwear, patterned pleated skirts, really gorgeous snakeskin-look boots, and Rollas Denim (woohoo). Our customers say? Oh wow, the store is gorgeous! Trendspotting… what do you see that you love? We love the pleated skirt look with a big fluffy jumper and sneakers for autumn. Anything else you would like to add? We love selling fashion, but community and women’s wellbeing is at our heart, and we love to be involved and help out where we can.